Quetone Point

OVERVIEW

Quetone Point is located in the eastern portion of the Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge near Lawton OK. It is situated north of Rt 49, west of Mt Scott, east of Rt 115, and SSE of Mt Wall. The mountain is bordered at it's base by a fairly think growth of trees and brush on the NW and SW sides. Quetone Point stands primarily alone surrounded by other peaks in the area.... Mt Scott, Mt Scott's Boy, Mt Wall, and Hunting Horse Hill.

Getting There

From Lawton OK:
If you are visiting the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge from the Lawton area, you will most likely enter the park on Rt 49 from the H.E. Bailey Turnpike (I-44). It is approximately 8 miles from I-44 to the park. Once in the park continue on Rt 49 West passing the turnoff to Mt Scott. After you pass the Mt Scott turnoff your view is obstructed by the terrain immediately to the north of the highway. Travel west 1.8 miles from the Mt Scott turnoff and you will see an observation turnoff (Quetone Overlook)on the right side of the highway. Turn here and go a very short distance to the parking lot. Directly in front of you, about 1 mile distant, you will see Quetone Point.

From Cache OK:
From US Rt 62, take Rt 115 N from Cache. It is about 6 miles from Cache to the WMNWR gate. Follow Rt 115 to Rt 49. Turn east on Rt 49 passing the Visitor Center. Continue east of Rt 49 until you pass the Meers exit (Rt 115). Approximately .9 mile after you pass Rt 115 you will come to Quetone Overlook turn off on the left. Turn left here and go a very short distance to the parking lot. Directly in front of you, about 1 mile distant, you will see Quetone Point.

From the West:
Enter the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge on Rt 49. Continue east on Rt 49 for several miles. About mid-way in the park you will make a left turn on Rt 49 afterwhich you will pass the Visitor Center. Continue east until you pass the Meers exit (Rt 115). (Refer above directions in this section.)

From the North (Meers Entrance):
Leaving the town of Meers, drive south on State Highway 115 in to the WMWR. Watch the curves and oncoming traffic on this road as it can be rather dangerous if your speed is excessive. After entering the park continue until you reach Route 49. Turn left and go .9 miles to the Quetone Observation turnoff. Turn left here and drive a very short distance to the parking lot. Directly in front of you, about 1 mile distant, you will see Quetone Point.


Distance to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge from various cities:

Amarillo TX, 214 miles
Dallas TX, 205 miles
Fort Smith AR, 263 miles
Oklahoma City OK, 86 miles
Tulsa OK, 191 miles
Wichita KS, 246 miles
Wichita Falls TX, 68 miles

CAUTION:

Observe posted speed limit signs, especially at night. Park authorites will not hesitate to ticket you for violations. Believe me, I know from first hand experience!

Routes

Quetone Point is visible from a number of locations including the Meers Highway (Rt 115), Rt 49, and from the summit of Mt Scott. Probably the easiest way to the top of Quetone Point is to drive to the Quetone Overlook parking lot mentioned in the above section "Getting There". From this parking lot you can hike in generally a straight line toward the peak. Refer to Routes photo in the Image section of this page.

Red Tape

There is no fee to visit the Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. There are several picnicking areas throughout the park. There are opportunities for general camping, backcountry camping (Permit only) and there are numerous trails for hiking and backpacking. Boating is permitted but there are special rules that apply. Fishing is in accordance with state and federal regulations. Hunting is by lottery through the OK Department of Wildlife Conservation. There are tours and special programs provided by the park service. For specific rules and regulations and/or additional information, please check with the WMNWR Visitor Center or visit the site below.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Route 1, Box 448, Indiahoma, OK 73552 (580) 429-3222

Camping

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers a fully developed camping facility.

Doris Campground is located about 1 1/2 miles to the west of the Visitor Center on Route 49. This campground is fully developed with water, fire grills, picnic tables, sanitary dump stations, shower & restroom facilities, tent sites, some electrical hookups, and trailer spaces. Sites are first come - first served. There is limited group camping by reservation only. Fees are charged.

Backcountry camping (by permit only) is available in the Charon's Garden Wilderness Area further to the west.

Hiking Health and Safety

Depending on what season of the year that you hike in the Wichita Mountains you may need to be concerned with ticks, chiggers, and other potential insect threats. Insect repellent is always a good idea. Upon returning home, be sure to wash your clothes and check your body for ticks. They will often show up a day or two later. Always treat any insect bite with concern. If sickness, fever, aching, etc, follow an insect bite you should seek your doctors care.

Beware of the animals in the refuge. Buffalo and Longhorn Steer can be dangerous if cornered or threatened. Snakes are also plentiful. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Remember, a good hike is a safe hike.

External Links

WICHITA MOUNTAINS WILDLIFE REFUGE Website

US WILDLIFE AREAS Website

WICHITA MOUNTAINS COBBLESTONE GAZETTE

Images

View Quetone Point Image Gallery - 8 Images